Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has approved an enhancement of the monthly emoluments of Nambardars (village heads), also known locally as Gobas, from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000, representing an increase of over 233 percent.

The decision, which comes after a gap of 10 years, will benefit 247 Nambardars across the Union Territory. The enhancement addresses a long-standing demand of Nambardars and recognises their role as an important link between the administration and villagers.

The Lieutenant Governor said the move would not only provide greater financial support to Nambardars but also strengthen participatory governance and grassroots-level administration in Ladakh.

During his visits to villages across Ladakh, the Lieutenant Governor had received representations from Nambardars seeking an enhancement in their emoluments. On September 19, a delegation of Nambardars from different villages also met the Lieutenant Governor and highlighted that the existing emoluments were inadequate in view of their responsibilities.

Taking note of their concerns, the Lieutenant Governor directed the Chief Secretary to examine the matter and take appropriate action.
Nambardars play an important role at the grassroots level, serving as a bridge between the Government and villagers. Their responsibilities have gained significance with the increasing focus on last-mile delivery of public services and community-led government initiatives, particularly in remote and geographically challenging areas of Ladakh.

They help communicate the needs and concerns of villagers to the administration while also assisting people in accessing government schemes, welfare programmes and public services.

The Lieutenant Governor also noted that inputs provided by Nambardars had helped address several water-related issues in villages through interventions undertaken in recent months. He appreciated their proactive efforts in pursuing issues concerning their respective villages.

“The role of Nambardars (Gobas) is crucial because they remain closely connected with the people and serve as a vital link between the administration and our villages. The enhancement from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000 per month recognises their responsibilities and long-standing demand. I am confident this step will further strengthen their role in ensuring that development programmes, welfare schemes and government services reach every household in a timely and effective manner, while further strengthening participatory governance,” said L-G Saxena.

The revised emoluments have been fixed under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Lambardari Act, 1972, and the Jammu and Kashmir Lambardari Rules, 1980, as applicable to the Union Territory of Ladakh.

The revised emoluments will come into force from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette.